Mackay bemoans disallowed goal

Malky Mackay was disappointed to see Cardiff denied a goal against Palace after what he claims was a 'howler' by the referee.

Last Updated: 11/01/12 8:14am

Malky Mackay: Was disappointed to see equaliser disallowed against Palace

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay was disappointed to see his side denied a goal in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace after what he claims was a 'howler' by referee Mike Dean.

Kenny Miller headed what would have been the equaliser into the net from a corner in the second half at Selhurst Park but Dean had already whistled - apparently for a foul on Eagles goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

After watching replays of the incident, Mackay feels the official made the wrong decision and believes it cost the Bluebirds dearly after the Londoners managed to hold onto their 1-0 lead for the win.

"The referee not giving the goal was a surprise," he told Sky Sports. "I've looked at it again and again.

"Nobody touched Speroni. The ball was in the net and I think he's had an absolute howler there on that one.

"I think I know why; I think he's got it into his mind he's maybe given a corner when he should have given a goal-kick and he's quickly tried to rectify that.

"Either way, he's given a corner, you don't level one thing up with another. If you give a corner you give a corner and play goes on. So I'm disappointed with that but overall I'm very proud of them."

Confident

Despite his frustration at the disallowed goal, Mackay is confident Cardiff can turn things around when they host Palace in the second leg in South Wales.

He said: "It's still all to play for. I thought we were tremendous tonight.

"I thought we came here and gave a very good account of ourselves and limited the home team to one shot on target.

"It's half-time at the moment and we've obviously got to bring them back to the Cardiff City Stadium now.

"We're going to go there and have a right good go, don't worry about that."